Winter Project 77 CB550F

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Winter Project 77 CB550F

rich
This post was updated on .
So in the continuing addiction to f'ing craigslist  I acquired this beauty in trade for a handgun that I had no use or need for (Davis 380 auto). The gun was worth about a $100. The guy was asking $200 for this 1977 CB 550F. We traded straight across.  

It's mostly all there. Except for the airbox, some electric components and side covers. Wiring is hosed, no key so lots of wires are cut.


The tach is whacked and so are the indicator lights


The controls are all busted or wires cut


Some road-rash here


Rest of the engine doesn't look too bad though. It turns over freely. Not to sure about the compression though, seems to turn pretty easy.


I'm thinking bare-bones cafe racer. Just remove the wiring harness and do a minimal wiring job for lights and ignition. Of course, I'll need to find out about the internal condition of the engine; see if it's got compression - first. But I'm looking forward to some quality time with this little beast over the next few months.   
89 VN 750A - Given to son-in-law
79 CB 750K-sold 3 May 21
78 CB 750K
77 CB 750K
77 GL 1000 x 2
77 CB 550F
Holton, KS, US
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

shinyribs
Administrator
Dang. I reaaaaally hate to be the guy to say this...but that's not a CB750 budI'm not sure,but it's either a 500 or a 550. Regardless it's a sweet bike and all the problems are easy to fix. I have a cool old finned points cover for that beauty. It's black plastic,but it still looks cool.
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

rich
Yeah It's a 550. I fixed the typo in the text. At least I posted it correctly. That's what the post title says and it's in everything but CB750s.
89 VN 750A - Given to son-in-law
79 CB 750K-sold 3 May 21
78 CB 750K
77 CB 750K
77 GL 1000 x 2
77 CB 550F
Holton, KS, US
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

shinyribs
Administrator
Ah,good. I was really hoping it was a typo. I think the smaller CBS make cooler cafes anyway.
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

pat english
In reply to this post by rich
sweet!
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

rich
In reply to this post by rich
So the compression on this engine is very, very low. I only checked #1 and #4 because my plug wrench didn't reach #2 and #3 (I have a thin one somewhere?). I used an automotive gauge with an adapter. It's my understanding that this type of gauge can give low readings on a small displacement engine because of the diameter and length of the line, but I was only getting 25lbs. I couldn't open the throttle because the cable is froze so I guess that could contribute to a low reading also. Adding oil didn't change anything.  I'll try again after I pull the carbs and find my spark plug socket. But I'm thinking the top-end is toast.

I'm debating if it's worth rebuilding. I mean, it's a 550, a 750 would be worth an investment. I'm leaning towards parting it.  
89 VN 750A - Given to son-in-law
79 CB 750K-sold 3 May 21
78 CB 750K
77 CB 750K
77 GL 1000 x 2
77 CB 550F
Holton, KS, US
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

TOOLS1
Administrator
I have two good 550 engines. However I would pull the carbs and check the compression with the intakes open.
TOOLS
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
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I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
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It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
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"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

rich
Not one but two! What are you doing this weekend? If you're going to be around maybe I could come up and grab one. A bill of sale for an engine will help with my quest to obtain a builder's title for this bike anyway (got one for the frame as "parts").
89 VN 750A - Given to son-in-law
79 CB 750K-sold 3 May 21
78 CB 750K
77 CB 750K
77 GL 1000 x 2
77 CB 550F
Holton, KS, US
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

rich
I had to revisit this thread just to remind myself I have this bike tucked away in my shed. Going on two years now since I've touched it. Another one just showed up for sale in my area and I wanted it so bad! I need to go to "MA" meetings (AA for multiple motorcycle syndrome sufferers).

Oh, but what a beauty though:
75 550K 
http://topeka.craigslist.org/mcy/4361158902.html
89 VN 750A - Given to son-in-law
79 CB 750K-sold 3 May 21
78 CB 750K
77 CB 750K
77 GL 1000 x 2
77 CB 550F
Holton, KS, US
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

Re-run
Administrator
I know what you mean. I have 4 bikes right now and keep looking.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!
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Re: Winter Project 77 CB550F

rich
Crisis averted. He sold it.
89 VN 750A - Given to son-in-law
79 CB 750K-sold 3 May 21
78 CB 750K
77 CB 750K
77 GL 1000 x 2
77 CB 550F
Holton, KS, US